By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
Flu season returns every year — and each season brings with it a new flu vaccine tailored to fight the most recent virus strains. If you’re wondering what’s changed for the 2025–2026 flu shot, you’re not alone.
In places like Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound,Valley Ranch, Irving, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Grapevine, fall is the perfect time to protect yourself and your family from influenza. And getting the latest information about this year’s vaccine can help you make informed decisions about when and where to get your flu shot.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re here to break down what’s new, what’s effective, and why the 2025–2026 flu vaccine matters more than ever.
Why the Flu Shot Changes Every Year
The flu virus mutates rapidly — which means last year’s shot may not protect you this year.
Each season, global health organizations like the CDC and WHO analyze circulating flu strains in the Southern Hemisphere to predict which variants are likely to spread in North America. Based on this data, manufacturers adjust the vaccine’s formula to provide the best possible protection for the upcoming flu season.
2025–2026 Flu Vaccine Update: What’s New This Year?
For the 2025–2026 season, the flu shot includes updated strains and expanded options to offer stronger protection against the most likely flu viruses to circulate this year.
The 2025–2026 Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine Includes:
- Influenza A (H1N1): A newer, rapidly spreading strain seen in South America earlier this year
- Influenza A (H3N2): Updated to match a more virulent strain circulating in Asia
- Influenza B (Victoria lineage): Modified to account for antigenic drift
- Influenza B (Yamagata lineage): Included as a precaution, though it continues to decline in circulation
All flu vaccines provided at AFC Urgent Care Coppell are quadrivalent, meaning they protect against four different flu viruses — offering comprehensive coverage.
Newer Vaccine Options in 2025–2026
Beyond the standard formula, this year offers several enhanced options based on age, allergies, or health conditions:
💉 High-Dose Flu Shots (For Adults 65+)
- Contains 4x the antigen of a regular flu shot
- Designed to help seniors generate a stronger immune response
💉 Egg-Free Cell-Based Vaccines
- Grown in cell cultures rather than eggs
- Ideal for people with egg allergies or those seeking a more modern formulation
💉 Recombinant Flu Vaccines
- Created using genetic sequencing, not live viruses
- Faster to produce and more accurate to the predicted strains
All of these are available upon request at AFC Coppell, depending on your eligibility and needs.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with very few exceptions.
Priority Groups in North Texas:
- Children under 5
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Health care workers
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- Individuals who live with or care for high-risk people
If you live in a multigenerational home in Valley Ranch or your child attends school in Coppell ISD or Lewisville ISD, vaccination is especially important to protect both ends of the age spectrum.
When Should You Get the 2025–2026 Flu Shot?
🗓️ Best Time:
September through October 2025
This ensures your body has time to build immunity before flu cases peak — usually between November and February.
If you miss that window? No problem. It’s still worth getting vaccinated as long as flu is circulating — even into March or April.
Can I Get a Flu Shot and COVID Booster Together?
Yes! It’s safe and recommended to receive your flu shot and COVID-19 booster at the same time. Many patients across Las Colinas, Grapevine, and Carrollton choose to do both in one visit at AFC Coppell.
Benefits of getting both together:
- Saves time and multiple visits
- Provides dual protection heading into the colder months
- May help reduce symptoms if exposed to both viruses
Ask us if you’re due for your COVID booster when you walk in for your flu vaccine.
Flu Shot Myths – Busted
Let’s clear up a few common myths we hear at AFC Urgent Care Coppell:
❌ “The flu shot will give me the flu.”
✅ Not true. The flu shot uses inactivated viruses, so it cannot cause infection.
❌ “I never get sick, so I don’t need it.”
✅ Even healthy people can catch and spread the flu. You could unknowingly pass it to someone who’s high-risk — like a baby, grandparent, or someone immunocompromised.
❌ “It doesn’t work anyway.”
✅ The flu shot may not prevent all infections, but it dramatically reduces the severity, duration, and risk of complications — including hospitalization.
What to Expect When You Get Your Flu Shot at AFC Coppell
✅ No Appointment Needed
Walk in at your convenience — we’re open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
✅ Easy Check-In
Use our online check-in tool to save your spot in line, or just walk into our clinic.
✅ Personalized Care
Our providers will review your health history and help determine which vaccine is right for you — especially if you’re over 65 or have special concerns.
✅ Fast and Friendly Service
Most visits take under 30 minutes — perfect for families, working professionals, and seniors who want quick care without the wait.
What About Side Effects?
Most people experience mild side effects, such as:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Headache or fatigue
These usually last 24–48 hours and are a sign that your immune system is doing its job.
Serious side effects are rare, and our staff is trained to handle allergic reactions if needed — making AFC Coppell a safe choice for your vaccine visit.
Special Considerations for Children
Kids are some of the most common flu spreaders — especially in school, daycare, and sports environments.
Parents in Coppell, Lewisville, and beyond should know:
- Children 6 months to 8 years getting their first-ever flu shot will likely need two doses
- The first dose primes the immune system, and the second offers full protection
- These doses should be spaced 4 weeks apart, so start early!
At AFC Coppell, we offer pediatric flu vaccines for all ages and make the process simple and friendly for both parents and kids.
Seniors: Why You Need the High-Dose Flu Vaccine
As we age, the immune system becomes less responsive. That’s why people 65 and older benefit from a high-dose flu shot — offering up to 4x more protection.
We proudly serve older adults across Valley Ranch, Carrollton, Irving, and Las Colinas, and make vaccination easy with:
- Minimal wait times
- Comfortable clinic setting
- Assistance with Medicare or insurance paperwork
If you’re unsure which version of the vaccine is right for you, our team will walk you through it.
What to Bring to Your Flu Shot Visit
For a smooth experience:
- Bring a photo ID
- Bring your insurance card (most plans cover the flu shot 100%)
- Wear a shirt with easy arm access (short sleeves or layers)
- Arrive hydrated and having eaten (this reduces the chance of lightheadedness)
Why Get Your Flu Shot at AFC Urgent Care Coppell?
We make vaccination fast, easy, and accessible for families and individuals throughout the region.
Our Clinic Offers:
- Walk-in flu shots — no appointment needed
- COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
- Open evenings and weekends
- Insurance accepted & affordable self-pay options
- On-site urgent care for flu symptoms, complications, and testing
Whether you live in Grapevine, Flower Mound, Las Colinas, or right here in Coppell, we’re your local stop for safe and reliable flu protection.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait — Protect Yourself Before Flu Season Peaks
The 2025–2026 flu vaccine has been updated for a reason: this year’s viruses are different, and you need the latest protection to stay ahead.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re proud to serve our community with fast, affordable flu shots for the entire family. Don’t wait until flu season is in full swing — stop in today and take the most important step toward a healthier fall and winter.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell Today
📍 Serving Coppell, Lewisville, Valley Ranch, Irving, Flower Mound, Las Colinas, Carrollton & Grapevine
